Due to the impact of storms and heavy rains, Tet (Lunar New Year) peach blossoms are priced higher this year, with regular trees ranging from 1-2 million VND ($42-$84) and premium varieties fetching up to 8-10 million VND ($336-$420) per tree.

In Nhat Tan, Hanoi's renowned peach blossom hub, garden owners are losing sleep over the flowers blooming later than usual.

From early morning until late evening, garden owners in Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District, are busy tending to their trees and welcoming traders and customers.

Prices rise amid weather challenges

Mrs. Huyen, owner of the C.H. peach blossom garden, shared that her large garden sells both retail and wholesale.

The garden's main varieties include đào huyền (cascading peach tree - a type of peach blossom tree with a distinctive shape where the trunk extends over the edge of the pot and drapes downward, resembling a cascading waterfall) and đào phai (light pink blossoms).

This year, prices range from 1-2 million VND per tree, depending on size and shape.

"These prices exclude transportation costs.

For bulk purchases, we offer discounts," said Mrs. Huyen.

At another garden, Mrs. Hoa explained that her family carefully nurtures three gardens of premium peach blossoms for Tet customers.

Their trees are priced between 4-6 million VND ($168-$252) for standard varieties and 8-10 million VND ($336-$420) for premium ones.

"We also offer rental options.

Renting a tree costs about 2 million VND less than purchasing it outright, with customers placing a deposit of 500,000 to 1 million VND ($21-$42)," she added.

However, many garden owners are worried about late blooming.

Mrs. T.H., another garden owner, noted that while customers are inquiring, she is hesitant to sell as her trees show no signs of flowering.

"By this time in previous years, trees would already be blooming, even if not fully.

This year, they're unusually delayed," she said.

The effort to ensure timely blooms

To ensure the peach blossoms bloom on time for the Lunar New Year, gardeners must remove leaves about two months in advance and carefully manage watering to suit each tree's absorption rate.

"Labor costs for leaf removal range from 300,000 to 400,000 VND ($13-$17) per worker per day.

If not done on time, the trees may struggle to bud and bloom," explained Mr. Canh, a garden owner.

For some, the strategy is to wait until the final days before Tet to sell.

Mr. T.V., another Nhat Tan garden owner, stated that his 150 peach trees are reserved for retail only, not wholesale.

"My garden specializes in premium varieties, with prices starting at 2 million VND per tree.

The most expensive trees, which can cost tens of millions, feature uniquely shaped trunks or are adorned with lichen for added beauty," he said.

Seasonal traders and market dynamics

Every year from the 15th of the Lunar December, companies and organizations rent large, beautiful peach trees for display in lobbies or spacious areas.

Rental prices for these trees range from 5-6 million VND ($210-$252) for standard types to over 10 million VND ($420) for special ones.

Mr. Hai, a trader, mentioned that he begins surveying garden prices in early December (Lunar calendar).

"I visit multiple gardens to get an idea of market prices before deciding how much to invest.

Timing plays a crucial role in determining profit or loss," he noted.

With fewer peach trees available this year due to weather impacts, prices are expected to increase closer to Tet.

"If supply is tight, wholesale prices will also spike as Tet approaches," Hai predicted.

Tien Anh